Aidpage

 in response to woman 36...   I don't know if you got my earlier email as I am new here and may not have done it right. Just wanted to let you know that I REALLy do appreciate the suggestion and I followed your advice and went straight there! Thanks for sharing such valuable information.
KC

 in response to krchelle...   Years ago I had the opportunity to work with horses for city kids in rehab as a reward. Many of these children had never seen a horse much less ridden one! It was a very rewarding experience for them and those of us who worked with them.

Rescued horses are the best as are most rescued animals. By spreading the word to ranchers and others you might be able to get donations of "retired" but still very active animals. Definetely get your non-profit status (501(c) as this will allow people to donate materials, animals, feed etc. and get a tax write-off. I was the director of several non profit organizations. This makes you available for grants and like I said, you can get more help from others.

I hope this helps
KC

 in response to kcmartin...   I thought maybe I should share a little about me too - I always like to know a little about the people I converse with.

My background: non-profit work and volunteer services including homeless shelters, 15 years in animal welfare, wildlife rehabilitation, animal abuse investigations and rehabilitation. In the past I have been campfire leader, sunday school teacher/youth director and am now working on a community center/playground area for low income youth - to name a few.

I left an abusive situation and took off with three children and no idea where I was going and ended up staying in this area when a woman hit my car and totalled it. I went from owning my own business and house to looking for the dumpiest house I could find for cheap rent. I cut off the cast on my arm 3 weeks early as no one would hire me and found a job within walking distance. Six months later I bought an old car and within 8 months found an owner finance home on 5 acres. I raised my children on my own without child support by working two - three jobs. My home flooded about 8 years ago and I saved and repaired. I have been through challenging times and overcome things. But this time I need help. I need to rebuild and I need to find a car. Right now I am just worried about rebuilding. My old pickup will keep me going for now. I want to give my foster children the joy and peace of living in my little community.

So anyway, this is a little insight to who I am. I also have three wonderful children and three grandchildren and two rescued dogs and a rescued horse. I enjoy writing and other than photos and a few irreplaceable momentos my biggest loss in the fire was 30+ years of writing. My appreciation is that no one was hurt, so like all things it could have been worse.

I

On Valentines Day my house burned down. I had no insurance having recently got back to work after a year lay-off; but during that time I had to drop insurance and all expenses I could. Never had the money to restart it. As I am taking fostering classes (1 1/2 days left) I was saving money for a car. Now I had to use all that money for cleanup on the burned out house. I want to rebuild on the place where I raised my children as a single parent for 19 years and worked 2 and 3 jobs to pay for. I could really use some ideas on places that might help with the cost of building materials. I am fortunate to have friends who will volunteer to help with the work. I am also fortunate as I have a place to stay until I get the home built (thanks to my wonderful boss) but I just want to go home. It's a great area to raise children and I know it would be great for my future foster children as well.